The American Black Film Festival: 10 Facts about Bill Duke

(Image: Facebook) The American Black Film Festival , which takes place in New York City this year (June 19-22) will present a master class by the one and only Bill Duke! Bill Duke’s Actors Boot Camp is an intense two-day scene study program where participants learn to shape their performances through hands on direction and supportive critique. This 10 Facts series focuses on the very talented filmmaker/actor/director. 1. In 1971, he was on Broadway in the Melvin Van Peebles musical “Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death.” 2. Duke directed his first TV movie “The Killing Floor” in 1985. 3. He was the executive producer/director of the 1997 movie, “Hoodlum .” 4. Recently received a Lifetime Achievement Tribute from the Directors Guild of America. 5. Bill Duke established The Duke Media Foundation as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit corporation in 2008. The Duke Media Foundation provides media training for grade school and high school children in conjunction with the Educating Young Minds not-for profit learning center. 6. Duke directed his first feature film with 1991′s crime drama, “A Rage in Harlem,” then the Laurence Fishbourne-helmed, 1992 “Deep Cover.” 7. He was considered for the role of Lt. Al Giardello on “Homicide: Life on the Street” (1993). 8. Duke won an NAACP Award for Special Award for Outstanding Achievement in 1991. 9. His full name is William Henry Hudson Duke, Jr. 10. Was recently featured on TV One’s “Unsung: Hollywood.”